We hope everyone is doing well this summer. Just last month we recognized Pride Month and the contributions of our LGBTQ+ community and the importance of having equity and inclusion in our work environments. The Center also participated in the recent four-day, virtual Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Symposium where attendees enjoyed a come-and-go experience to the various virtual booths. Sharing in this inclusiveness contributes to the revealing of new ideas, leads to advancements in innovation and helps us to meet our future challenges.
We were also proud to host U.S. DOT Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg and the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary, Ann Shikany, for their first time visit to the Aeronautical Center. They were able to experience first-hand many of the diverse missions accomplished at the Center.
Special thanks to many of you who took the time to complete the 2022 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey. This is an important tool that the agency uses to address employee needs, improve workplace conditions and to identify ongoing issues. It is your feedback which helps to drive some of the meaningful programs that are developed.
This year, we are celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Office of Finance and Management (AFN) Organization’s existence. AFN is known for streamlining agency functions to ensure that services are delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible. This also means improving accountability and enhancing operational efficiencies through the responsible stewardship of FAA resources.
This month, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) hosted its second Department-Wide Virtual Career Fair. DOT recruiters from all modes were present and looking for candidates who would work full time, part time, were recent graduates, mid-career and those who were looking for internships. On-the spot job interviews were also conducted.
Congratulations to all the recent award winners from several different award programs, this includes the – High Five, DASHO, AFN Awards, DOT Awards, and FAA Awards. Whether you took the time to nominate someone, received a nomination yourself, or earned the recognition of receiving an award – whatever the case, it is commendable. Thank you for taking the time to make a difference. Mark your calendar, as the Center’s own Pathfinder Awards Ceremony is scheduled for August 18th. We’re currently exploring the possibility of running the event in-person.
This summer has been laced with numerous STEM-related tours around the Center, in addition to concluding our 15th Aviation Career Education (ACE) Camp in partnering with the Metro Technology Center next door. We’re excited about what the future holds for so many young people who are interested in aerospace. You may also be seeing some more interns around the Center, as several are participating in the FAA’s Gateways Program, as well as a distinguished Spanish Fulbright Scholar who is temporarily working at the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute.
Although we returned to a max telework status due to the recent COVID surge, it was great to see so many faces in-person, back in the work environment, throughout most of the spring/summer! We hope that the COVID situation will improve and that we will soon be able to return to the Center.
Stay well,
Michelle Coppedge
Director, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center
